On 2 March 2001 my Department wrote to the company mentioned by the Deputy urging it to adopt a flexible policy both in relation to refunds and to the rescheduling of travel booking during the current exceptional circumstances occasioned by the foot and mouth disease situation. The company subsequently replied stating that it would be pleased to provide refunds to its customers provided that the Department would agree to compensate it for the financial loss incurred. Otherwise, in the case of tickets issued for travel which are non-refundable and where customers declined the option of insurance, the conditions attached to these tickets will be applied. My Department is not in a position to provide compensation of this kind.